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The use
of decorative
threads
by quilters
is booming.
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Just as the acceptance of machine quilting made its way into the quilting scene, so have decorative threads, perhaps because more quilters are taking advantage of the newer sewing machines and specially designed needles that have made these threads easy to use.
Readily accepted by contemporary quilters, fancy threads have begun to attract even the attention of traditional quilters. Where once a couple of spools of white or black quilting thread were the primary elements in completing a quilt, quilters have found decorative threads a way to accent their precision piecing or fine applique.
QNM discovered so many new and interesting thread samples from a variety of manufacturers that we decided that these decorative "tools" deserved their own article. What follows is a brief overview of some of what is readily available on the market through quilt stores and catalogs. Resources are listed at the end of this article. We don't claim to know all there is to know about the possible uses of these threads; we're leaving the creative testing to each of you.
An area with many brands competing for your interest is the variegated category. For those who prefer working with natural fibers, Mettler offers spools of 100-percent mercerized variegated cotton thread, sold separately or in colorful sets of eight spools.
Colours by YLI is also made from cotton and is available in 6 variegated shades. When used to fill an area with embroidery, the 30/3 ply will fill quickly, giving a slightly padded look.
For well-defined top stitching, YLI makes a variegated Jeans Stitch from polyester. The thread can also be used for decorative machine embroidery or serging.
Looking to add some sheen to the surface of your quilt? Sulky® produces more than 30 color combinations of variegated 30 wt. rayon. The silky, strong thread can be washed or dry cleaned.
Coats & Clark makes a 35 wt. rayon twist, appropriately enough called Color Twist. The subtle shadings created by the two entwined fibers in the thread offer blended color rather than the block look given with threads that are variegated.
Perfect for ornamental machine embroidery are Madeira Metallics, variegated threads formed from synthetic fibers combined with strands colored with gold, copper, silver, aluminum, or bronze.
Superior Threads makes Halo™, which it describes as kimono-quality acrylic/poly blend threads intertwined with metallic fibers, in six variegated colors. The thread adds sparkle wherever it is used.
For a sophisticated look, Sulky produces Ultra Twist in 50 colors of 35 wt. rayon. Each colorway is made by twisting together two solid-colored strands.
Threads from synthetic materials which produce a high degree of sheen can be used for overall glamour or to add a touch such as a sheer spider web to a quilt. YLI's Reflections is available on 2 spool sizes in 12 shades, although, after sewing, the actual colors will vary depending on the fabric and the light source.
Ready for something really different? Glitter™ by Superior Threads, available in eight colors, is not a thread in the traditional sense, but a thinly sliced strand of reflective hologram film which adds a rainbow of colors to your sewing. The spools are available individually or in a stunning eight-color assortment pack.
Kaleidoscope is YLI's version of a sparkly holographic thread and comes in gold, silver, blue, green, and pink. It is machine washable and colorfast.
Planning a quilt for a youngster? Imagine the child's surprise when the quilting glows in the dark at bedtime. Glow Bug by YLI is charged when it is exposed to any light source. Sensitive to heat, the thread should not be dry cleaned, ironed, or placed in a dryer.
Superior Threads makes a luminescent thread, too, called NiteLite. To see what effect the thread will add to your quilt, cup your hands around a spool in the store.
Superior also offers Sunspot, a solar-active thread which changes color when exposed to sunlight. Available in seven colors, the thread appears white indoors, but outside, will turn red, magenta, purple, blue, orange, yellow, or green (the packaging will show you what color the thread becomes). While most quilters try to keep their quilts out of the sun, this thread might be fun on a picnic quilt or add an interesting effect on quilted wearables.
Even traditional thread categories have been changed to meet the needs and interests of quilters. Tire, known to appliquers for its fine silk thread, has introduced Silk 100 Plus, a heavier silk thread which can be used for machine quilting.
Coats & Clark responded to the wide range of fabric colors available to the quilter by producing 60 solids and 6 variegated shades of 40 wt. rayon, perfect for enhancing just about any fabric choice. The company also makes 14 solid colors of 30 wt. for bold top stitching.
And should you be interested in trying a variety of threads for hand and machine embroidery, check out the thread sets by Kreinik called Embroidery Color Effects. Although the threads can be purchased individually, the sets offer some very appealing thread combinations and packaging. Grouped by color or in holiday collections, each set contains seven to nine reels of different threads paired with hanks of decorative lightweight cording or a bead-like yarn. The sets are perfect for the quilter who is beginning to experiment with decorative threads and would make a wonderful gift for any quilter, that is, if you can stand to give them away!
Whatever your choice, be sure to consult with your local shop owner or with one of the reference books listed at right for more information on using these items. Older machines can be fussy about using some of these threads. Special machine needles and lubricants might assist you in using these threads to their best advantage.
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